Free movie passes for healthcare lobbyists

Producers of Michael Moore’s new film “Sicko” are taking out ads in Washington-area publications this week to invite more than 900 healthcare lobbyists to attend an exclusive, free screening of the movie, which excoriates the US healthcare system. A half-page ad ran in the front section of the Washington Post today.

In Associated Press reporter Christine Simmons' article about the publicity stunt, she quotes a statement from Moore, holding lobbyists responsible for helping perpetuate a broken system. Interesting to see if any of the invited show up, given they could well be ambushed by Moore and camera crew. No doubt many of the lobbyists would argue that they seek to help fix the system.

PRWeek reporter Marc Longpre recently wrote about all the various PR efforts connected to the launch of the film, which is shaping up as this years' Blood Diamond.